The announcement by the team Saturday came five days after Mettalurg Magnitogorsk of the Russia-based Kontinental Hockey League said it had reached a preliminary agreement with the 26-year-old forward for the remainder of this season.

Brule reportedly still must clear waivers before being re-assigned to the Portland Pirates, the Coyotes' AHL affiliate.

Brule has played in eight games for the Pirates this season with six goals and two assists. Brule has played in 296 regular season NHL games in parts of seven seasons with Columbus, Edmonton and Phoenix.

He was selected by Columbus in the 2005 entry draft as the sixth overall pick.